Before a single pipe is sized, the hydraulic behavior of the fluid must be understood. This is the "physics" module of piping design. A superior hydraulic analysis prevents two costly extremes: undersized pipes that cause excessive pressure drop and oversized pipes that waste capital.
Process pipes can normally be considered thin cylinders; only high‑pressure pipes, such as high‑pressure steam lines, are likely to be classified as thick cylinders and must be given special consideration. Before a single pipe is sized, the hydraulic
The you plan to use (e.g., carbon steel, stainless steel) Process pipes can normally be considered thin cylinders;
): Fluid moves in chaotic, intersecting paths. Inertial forces dominate most industrial process piping. Conservation Laws Two primary principles govern steady-state hydraulics: only high‑pressure pipes
[ P_1 + \frac12 \rho V_1^2 + \rho g z_1 = P_2 + \frac12 \rho V_2^2 + \rho g z_2 + \textlosses ]
ΔP=ρghf=f⋅LD⋅ρv22cap delta cap P equals rho g h sub f equals f center dot the fraction with numerator cap L and denominator cap D end-fraction center dot the fraction with numerator rho v squared and denominator 2 end-fraction = Darcy friction factor = Length of the pipe ( = Acceleration due to gravity ( Determining the Friction Factor (